US approves nearly $2 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia

The United States Department of State on Wednesday approved the sale of weapons worth approximately $1.96 billion to Saudi Arabia. “This proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by improving the security of a Major non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Gulf region,” the State Department said in a press release. BAE Systems will be the principal contractor, the department said. The move comes amid rising tensions between Houthi forces in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. It also comes amid increasing confrontation between the US and Iran, with Washington bolstering its military operations against Tehran after reimposing a naval blockade.